The Sword Unbound

So glad I was finally able to read this!
When I started reading this, I didn't think I would like it as much as the first one because it wasn't following any of the main characters. I was so invested in the Nine, and I just wanted more of them.
After continuing on, I get why it started that way and it's brilliant! Now I'm just sad that I have to wait for the next one.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc.

3.5/5 - Definitely not where I thought this was going based on the last book.

This pacing of this book felt very weird. The book is split into parts with each part focusing on one POV/plot of Bor, Olva and Alf which also gives insight into the three major factions at the start, Earlking, Necrad, and the rebellion respectfully. Each part ended on a cliffhanger that was related to one of the other plot points than the next part would go back in time and show how the cliffhanger was reached from another perspective. It worked by creating some tension in the subsequent chapter, like how did Alf loose Spellbreaker, but always felt like stepping away from the most interesting plot and slowing down.

That is until the part part of the book when the whole plot setup in the previous book is concluded very quickly. The book is left in a way that the main characters stories feel completed and I would be happy with it. However if it is left there it calls into question why the books focused on certain aspects only to have them dropped in the finale. An example would be how much time we spent in Necrad, talking about it, exploring it, only for it to be taken over by an evil faction and not dealt with further.

I would be interested to see if Hanrahan will return to this world in the future, it might change how I feel about the ending.